26 May 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
3 lb whole chicken
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups bread crumbs
3/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
2 tbsp spice mix
1 tsp paprika
Southern fried chicken is an iconic dish that speaks volumes about Southern comfort and hospitality. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this dish is flavored with a perfect blend of spices that will leave your taste buds craving for more. This recipe walks you through the step-by-step process, ensuring you achieve that quintessential Southern flavor right in your own kitchen.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the chicken into pieces (wings, thighs, drumsticks, and breasts). Trim any excess fat if necessary.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
- Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, spice mix, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thick coating. Shake off any excess.
5. Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread crumb into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
6. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, skin side down. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady oil temperature and prevent burning.
7. Drain the Chicken:
- Use tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. If you don't have a wire rack, you can use paper towels to absorb the oil.
8. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Enjoy your delicious Southern fried chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Tips:
- Always marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful.
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip your chicken pieces in the bread crumb mixture.
- Allow the chicken pieces to rest for a few minutes after coating to let the breading adhere properly before frying.
- Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) during frying for evenly cooked chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Southern fried chicken is more than just a meal; it's a tradition. With these steps and tips, you can bring a piece of the South to your table. Serve it hot, paired with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that's truly comforting and satisfying.